I had to laugh a little when I read the headline on our public radio’s website this morning: “Frugality Fatigue May Fuel Increased Holiday Spending This Year“. The article goes on to cite a University of Minnesota professor’s claims that consumers (I really don’t like that word) have a “pent-up” urge to spend a bunch of …

In my youth, I had the lucky chance to be raised on a farm in Iowa. Growing up I thought a lot differently and hated going out to do chores, shoveling pig manure, or walking beans. At the time it felt pointless, and I felt like free labor to my dad, Grandpa, and uncle. Without …

I was able to watch some of the History Channel’s “Vietnam in HD” special that first aired several years ago. It was a riveting documentary with amazing combat footage showing what the men (and women) faced during this long and difficult conflict. It had been the first time in modern warfare where battles were won …

Reviewing is a key component to success. I constantly encourage my ninth grade Algebra students to review their work. Coaches are always reviewing game film to learn from the previous game. I would submit to you that reviewing financial decisions is an important aspect of living wisely in the area of finances. When I make …

I have a confession. My eyes are prone to wander. At times, the grass does look greener on the other side. I think – maybe I’d be better off with someone else; maybe I deserve better. Am I the only one who thinks about my bank this way? Fidelity with my wife – that’s easy. …

The following is a republished / revised post I did in 2012, but a challenge that I want to take on for the month of November. Care to join me in it? On the first of November (today) – I am going to make a once-a-month trip to my bank’s ATM and withdraw $40. And, …

A couple times a month, my parents held a “popcorn party” night where my brother and I would get to watch a movie on the brand-new VHS player, eat homemade popcorn and indulge in our favorite beverage: RC Cola. I remember those nights fondly and was grateful for the times we got to “have fun” …

We’re sure that you have heard horror stories from your parents about the time they went away on vacation and came home to find that their refrigerator had failed, or that a toilet had overflowed and covered the floor with two inches of water. To avoid these issues, we used to frantically try and find …

Two is better than one, the writer of Ecclesiastes tells us. And he’s right. But the best advice my wife and I received as newlyweds in regards to marriage and money was the opposite – a budget based on one income is better than two. The guidance was simple: create a budget as if only …

Thought we would republish this post from early 2013 as some of the information is still helpful and we’re always wanting to avoid those fees! This past month, when I went to pay my mortgage, I noticed that they were charging me an extra $7.99 fee for paying my balance due. I thought this was …